Game preservation has long been a topic of interest, particularly as many of the most cherished titles from gaming history remain largely inaccessible. GOG, a distributor known for its DRM-free approach, is stepping up to address a pressing concern: how can these beloved games be made playable on contemporary systems?
GOG’s Preservation Initiative
Last month, GOG introduced its “Good Old Games” preservation program, showcasing an initial selection of 100 titles. This initiative marks a return to the company’s original name, which has not been used in over a decade, and signifies a commitment to ensuring these games receive special attention. GOG has confirmed that these titles are fully playable on modern PCs equipped with the latest versions of Windows and updated graphics drivers. The program also includes ongoing support for bug fixes, enhancing the user experience for players eager to dive into these classics.
Bartosz Kwietniewski, GOG’s head of business development, emphasized the importance of this initiative in a recent video interview. “We very quickly realized that we’re only partially participating in preservation efforts by releasing games,” he stated. “You need to ensure that the games remain playable, that they remain compatible.”
In addition to the preservation program, GOG is offering a support service reminiscent of the classic Nintendo hotline, allowing players to reach out for assistance if they encounter issues getting their games to run. This initiative is not merely a nostalgic nod to the past; it aims to demonstrate that these older titles are not just relics—they remain enjoyable and relevant today.
While GOG has been engaged in preservation efforts for years, this new program underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of classic games. Recently, GOG announced that Blizzard would be removing the iconic titles Warcraft and Warcraft II from its platform on December 13. Despite their continued popularity, Blizzard is promoting its own remastered collection at a premium price. GOG reassured players that it would continue to support both titles with updates, even after their removal from the store.
Challenges of Game Preservation
Blizzard has yet to clarify its reasoning behind this decision, but GOG remains committed to preserving access for those who purchase the DRM-free versions before the delisting. Kwietniewski noted, “We learned the hard way that, sometimes—despite our best efforts—the decision is ultimately the publishers’.” He acknowledged the tough choices that arise in the realm of game preservation, asserting that GOG’s program is a proactive response to player concerns.
GOG plans to consistently support the games included in its preservation program, including ongoing updates. The company also highlights a significant issue within the realm of digital ownership: the paradox of paying for a digital license rather than owning a tangible copy of the game. This reality often leaves players feeling disconnected from the titles they love.
Reviving Classic Titles
As part of the “Good Old Games” initiative, GOG is working to ensure that classic titles like the 2001 CRPG Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magic Obscura are compatible with modern operating systems. This game, often overlooked due to its technical challenges, is now confirmed to run smoothly on Windows 10 and 11 upon installation. GOG has also made strides with other classics, such as the original Fallout, which now features cloud save functionality.
GOG’s leadership has undertaken a comprehensive quality assurance process for the titles in the program, ensuring that they are the best digital versions available. While some issues may persist, the company is dedicated to addressing them. For instance, Arcanum has been updated to support modern resolutions and optimized for today’s multi-core processors, although it remains a notoriously buggy title.
Looking ahead, GOG plans to expand its preservation program by adding more titles each month. Kwietniewski expressed enthusiasm for including all Might and Magic titles, reflecting a commitment to maintaining a diverse library of classic games.
The Technical Side of Game Compatibility
To facilitate the revival of older DOS-based games, GOG employs open-source emulators, allowing players to experience these titles as they were originally intended. Kwietniewski noted that the team, consisting of just 15 dedicated members, is passionate about bringing these games back to life. However, the process is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to securing rights from publishers.
While GOG is cautious about utilizing community mods due to the complexities they introduce, the company has engaged with the community to address specific issues, such as fixing cutscenes in the classic point-and-click adventure Blade Runner.
Despite the hurdles, GOG remains committed to its mission. The company has invested years into resolving persistent issues, such as the memory leak problem plaguing Dragon Age: Origins. GOG recently released a patch for this title, marking a significant milestone as the only professional outlet outside Bioware to do so in the past 15 years.
As interest in classic games continues to thrive, GOG’s preservation efforts serve as a vital bridge, connecting players with the rich history of gaming while ensuring that these titles remain accessible and enjoyable for future generations.
